WASHINGTON — June 27, 2014 — U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., unveiled a bill on Thursday pushing back against President Barack Obama’s proposal to limit energy exploration and fishing in 780,000 miles of ocean.
U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., unveiled a bill on Thursday pushing back against President Barack Obama’s proposal to limit energy exploration and fishing in 780,000 miles of ocean.
Last week, Obama proposed to create the world’s largest ocean preserve which would end fishing and drilling in American waters around Hawaii and American Samoa. Taking a page from President George W. Bush, Obama looked to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and protect more aquatic life.
Obama said last week that increased pollution and fishing are posing a threat for future generations.
"If we ignore these problems, if we drain our oceans of their resources, we won't just be squandering one of humanity's greatest treasures," Obama said. "We'll be cutting off one of the world's major sources of food and economic growth, including for the United States. We cannot afford to let that happen."
While environmentalists cheered the news, Republicans have criticized Obama for ignoring Congress in his decision. Advocates for consumer fishermen have also criticized the proposal, noting that 3 percent of American tuna fishing comes from the area Obama is closing off.
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